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Family Presence & Visiting a Patient
This section will give you information about the visiting hours and guidelines in place at SickKids.
Family presence
Family presence and patient visiting policies for family caregivers, siblings and visitors depends on the area of SickKids you are visiting or staying:
- Inpatient Units: Up to 4 family caregivers/siblings/visitors are welcome at a time at the bedside during regular visiting hours (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 1 overnight (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.).
- CCCU/PICU/NICU: Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome at a time at the bedside.
- Emergency Department (ED): Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome at a time at the bedside.
- Outpatient clinics: Up to 2 family caregivers are welcome to accompany their child to clinic appointments and tests.
Identification badges/stickers will be worn by all family caregivers, siblings and visitors. Everyone 12 and over must self-screen for symptoms before entering. Children under 12 will be actively screened. Families visiting outpatient clinics and the Emergency Department with siblings are strongly encouraged to make use of Family Spaces due to space constraints.
General guidelines
Parents and caregivers are not considered visitors.
Visitors need to check in with the unit clerk before going to a patient’s room. Please check with your unit about visiting guidelines, including age requirements for visitors and the number of visitors allowed at a time.
Can I visit if I am sick?
Do not visit the hospital if you are sick or have been sick in the last week. All patients, family caregivers, and visitors should self -screen for symptoms of a communicable illness before coming to the hospital and upon arrival.
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Fever and/or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Decrease or loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
Is there anything I should not bring to SickKids?
Yes, please do not bring the following because they may be unsafe for our patients:
- latex balloons
- small toys that can be swallowed
- toys that make sparks
- food with nuts
- fresh flowers or plants
Can I take photos or videos?
Please do not take photographs or videos of other patients or their families and please ask permission before taking a photo or video of a staff member.
Do not post photos/videos of staff, other patients or their families on the Internet without consent.
Are assistance dogs allowed in the hospital?
Assistance dogs for people with disabilities are allowed at SickKids. Please make sure they are clean and have up-to-date immunizations.
No smoking on our property
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on SickKids property, including: 1) the outdoor areas around the Elizabeth Street, Gerrard Street and University Avenue entrances; 2) the driveways, steps, paths, gardens, seating areas and front lawn leading to the city-owned sidewalks; 3) the parking garage; and 4) on city property within a 9-metre radius (approximately 30 feet) of any hospital doorway.
No fragrances
To reduce the potential for adverse health effects related to the use of fragrances, please do not wear, use or apply fragrances while at SickKids.
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